I am new to this forum. I go underwater for more than 41 years and underwater photographer for 20 years. I have a Nikon D300 in Sealux CD300 UW housing. Objectives: Nikkor 10.5 DX and sigma 17-70 macro. I want to buy a wide angle zoom and are very torn between this two: Nikkor 12-24 f4 or Nikkor 10-24 f3 ,5-4, 5. Some of you advise me on the right choice? thanks

I am new to this forum. I go underwater for more than 41 years and underwater photographer for 20 years. I have a Nikon D300 in Sealux CD300 UW housing. Objectives: Nikkor 10.5 DX and sigma 17-70 macro. I want to buy a wide angle zoom and are very torn between this two: Nikkor 12-24 f4 or Nikkor 10-24 f3 ,5-4, 5. Some of you advise me on the right choice? thanks

Claudio Merli

Hi Claudio,

Welcome to the form. I have the older 12-24 lens and used it in a 170mm dome. This required a +4 diopter to sharpen the edges. I now prefer the Tokina 10-17 FE with and without a 1.4X TC and use the Bare Dome (mini 4.33 inch). The 10-24 focuses closer, so you may not need a diopter or can use a larger dome port.

I have 12-24 (for sale) which is reckoned to be a bit more pro-build than the 10-24. I also have a Sigma 8-16 (for sale) which I prefer above water to the 12-24. I agree that the 12-24 benefits from a dioptre underwater to get better corners.

I was very disappointed with the 12-24 for close focus and side-to-side sharpness when I had one. The lens to get for underwater use with DX is without doubt the Tokina 10-17.

I buy my own photographic kit. Diving equipment manufacturers and diving services suppliers get even-handed treatment from me whether they choose to advertise in the publications I write for or not. All the equipment I get on loan is returned as soon as it is finished with.Did you know you can now get Diver Mag as an iPad/Android app?

I already havetheNikkor DX10.5, which I considera greatpiece of equipment, so theTokina10-17would be almostsuperfluous...I would likea wide anglezoom, not afisheye.However,for someyour answerandalsosomeonline testnow Iam convinced that the10-24isslightly better than the12-24...Thanks